Elina Svitolina, Kiki Bertens will not compete in the upcoming US Open following Ashleigh Barty and probably Simona Halep.
Elina Svitolina
It was pretty clear that Elina didn’t have the intention of competing in New York as in the recent days she looked more willing to enjoy the European summer with her boyfriend Gael Monfils (why not?) than getting ready to play the US Open. Elina released the following statement:
“Considering all the aspects, I have decided to not play the US Open 2020. I want to thank the USTA, organizers and WTA for giving the players a chance to play and the fans a chance to watch this great event. I understand and respect all the efforts they are putting to make it happen in a safe environment, but I still don’t feel comfortable to travel to US without putting my team and myself at high risk.”
Currently the world no.5, Elina played her last match on the 8th of March when she defeated Marie Bouzkova 7-5 4-6 6-4 in the final in Monterrey to win her 14th career title.
Currently, this season Svitolina has a 11-6 win-loss record. Elina clinched 1 title in Monterrey.
Kiki Bertens
Kiki was also not looking extremely happy to play in New York. Eventually, she opted out releasing the following statement:
“After long consideration I have decided not to go to the states for Cincinnati and the Us open. The situation around COVID-19 is still that worrying and the health of everyone and the control over this virus is priority.
Our prime minister indicated yesterday that we should be quarantined for 14 days after coming back from the states. Off course we respect this as a team and this would disturb our preparation for my beloved clay court tournaments in Rome and Paris. I hope the situation will soon take a positive turn and wish everyone good health. Take care!”
Currently the world no.7, Bertens played her last match on the 26th of February when she capitulated to Saisai Zheng 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the 3rd round in Doha.
Currently, this year the Dutch has a 12-3 win-loss record. Kiki conquered 1 title in St. Petersburg.
Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens played each other 4 times. The head to head is 2-2. The last time that they competed against each other, Kiki Bertens won 7-66 6-2 in the quarter in Beijing (China Open) in October 2019.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Simona Halep and the US Open
Simona seems more and more averse about playing the US Open. She is still in the entry list, but she has recently declared that right now she is not willing to go, but she will make the decision closer to the starting date of the tournament. Simona is currently in Prague where she will play the local event.
Ranked no.2, Halep played her last match on the 22nd of February when she beat Elena Rybakina 3-6 6-3 7-65 in the final in Dubai to win her 20th career title.
This season the Romanian has a 10-2 win-loss record. Halep clinched 1 title in Dubai.
Ashleigh Barty in 2020
Ranked no.1, Barty played her last match on the 28th of February when she surrendered to Petra Kvitova 6-4 2-6 6-4 in the semifinal in Doha.
During this season, Ashleigh has a 11-3 win-loss record. Barty has won 1 title in Adelaide.
